The 2018 Domaine Joseph Drouhin Beaune Clos des Mouches Rouge 1er Cru Pinot Noir is a notable red wine from the esteemed Burgundy region of France. Made from Pinot Noir grapes, this wine showcases the unique terroir of its sub-appellation, Clos des Mouches, within the Cote de Beaune. Known for its elegant composition, this wine combines grapes from both the high and low parts of the Premier Cru, resulting in a blend of seven different micro cuvées. Fermented with 25% whole bunches and aged in 20% new wood, it reflects the meticulous craftsmanship of the Joseph Drouhin winery.
James Suckling awarded this wine an impressive score of 95, describing it as "a perfumed and spicy wine with ripe strawberries, smoke and chocolate," and highlighting its "fine, creamy texture" and "really spicy" finish. According to Wine Spectator, which gave it a 93, it is a "classy, pliant, succulent red" with a "silky texture and lingering notes of fruit and spice." The publication recommends enjoying it from 2023 through 2038.
Decanter also praised the wine, rating it 94 and noting its "textured, refined and well-balanced" character, emphasizing the "focus and freshness" typical of this special site. Jasper Morris echoed this sentiment with a score of 91-94, noting the wine's "lively and pure" nature when tasted from a fresher bottle.
Although Robert Parker's Wine Advocate gave it a slightly lower score of 91, it still acknowledged the wine as "one of the portfolio's real successes." The review highlighted its "inviting aromas of ripe cherries, raspberries and violets" with a "voluptuous core of fruit."
Overall, the 2018 Beaune Clos des Mouches Rouge is a compelling wine that marries structure with elegance, making it a fine representation of Burgundy's esteemed Pinot Noirs.